HYDERABAD: Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming cybercrime, making sophisticated digital attacks accessible even to people with little technical knowledge. Experts warn that AI-powered cyberattacks could rise by nearly 400 per cent in the coming years, with projected losses crossing ₹1 lakh crore by the end of 2026. Existing digital security systems are increasingly struggling to contain these threats.
Generative AI has reshaped phishing attacks. Earlier spam emails often carried grammatical mistakes, making them easier to identify. Now, AI tools can create polished messages that closely resemble official communication. Cybersecurity experts say deepfake technology has emerged as an even bigger concern.
With just a few seconds of audio, criminals can reportedly replicate a person’s voice with high accuracy. Fraudsters are using fake calls in children’s voices to extort money from parents and creating video calls using corporate executives’ faces to siphon off crores of rupees. Such incidents are weakening trust in digital communication systems.
AI systems are also analysing data shared on social media platforms to identify personal vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are using this information to target individuals based on their financial condition, behavioural patterns and weaknesses. At the same time, traditional password protection is becoming ineffective as AI algorithms can crack even highly complex passwords within seconds.
Weak safeguards increase corporate risks
Cybercriminals are now exploiting AI chatbots through techniques known as prompt injection attacks. Hackers use malicious prompts to manipulate AI systems deployed by companies for customer support and other services. These attacks can force AI systems to reveal confidential corporate data and personal information.
The article warns that the shift towards agentic AI systems capable of independently making decisions and executing tasks could create additional risks in sectors such as banking, healthcare and power grids. Even minor errors by autonomous systems may trigger major financial and security crises.
Experts say every AI agent must have a verified digital identity along with robust monitoring and logging mechanisms. Strong regulatory frameworks focusing on accountability and security are needed to ensure that rapid automation does not compromise public safety.
India remains vulnerable to AI-enabled attacks
India is among the countries with the highest number of internet users, but awareness about digital security remains low. Many users are unable to identify evolving AI-enabled frauds. The article cautions that attacks targeting banking systems and critical infrastructure could seriously damage the country’s economy.
Government agencies such as the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), banks and industry bodies have been urged to move beyond issuing warnings and develop stronger digital defence systems against AI-based threats. Technology companies have also been advised to implement safeguards such as watermarking to prevent misuse of AI tools.
The article cites the Reserve Bank of India’s AI-based “MuleHunter” initiative, designed to detect mule accounts in the banking sector, as a positive step. Telecom companies have also been urged to develop tools to curb ghost SIM networks.
The article further recommends the creation of a dedicated national-level institution to tackle AI-driven cyber threats. Industry bodies such as NASSCOM and Indian School of Business, along with academic institutions and private companies, should work with the government on continuous research and policy development.
The article stresses that advanced technology should not become a threat to public safety. It calls for transparent laws, strict accountability and human oversight over critical AI-driven decisions. Public awareness and digital literacy, it says, will remain the strongest defence against emerging cyber threats.
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